LSU, winners of 30 of its last 35 games, is "probably the most complete team" playing in the college World Series, former MLB All-Star Aaron Boone said. Defending champ Vanderbilt also should be there in the end, according to the current ESPN baseball analyst.
Arkansas, Virginia, Miami, Florida, TCU and Cal State Fullerton round out the eight-team field, one Boone feels has six or seven legitimate contenders. The College World Series begins Saturday in Omaha, Neb.
COLLEGE WORLD SERIES 2015: Times, TV schedule | Full list of teams
But while the Tigers and Commodores look good, the field is wide open, Boone told Sporting News.
This season, the NCAA switched to flat-seamed baseballs similar to MLB's, and it's led to a resurgence in offense. Because of reduced rebound in aluminum bats starting in 2011, offense had been way down, resulting in almost no parity. This year, Boone said that won't be the case.
"The field is as good as its been in years, and the ball has a lot to do with it," Boone said. "I don't want to say flukes, but there are teams that are more likely to sneak in because offense is back."
Moreso, Boone is happy to see another crop of talent-rich players and teams gather in Omaha. He narrowly missed out on playing in the College World Series twice as a USC Trojan, but has enjoyed his time there as a fan and broadcaster.
"This is a festival with high-quality baseball sprinkled in," said Boone, who is also helping promote the Allstate Good Hands program, which will donate money to local boys and girls clubs in Nebraska when fans catch foul balls during the tournament's opening weekend. "If you're a baseball fan and have missed out, put this on your list."
The first two picks in this week's MLB Draft were college shortstops, both of whom are in Omaha. Dansby Swanson of Vanderbilt went first overall to the Diamondbacks, while LSU's Alex Bregman went second to the Astros. Seven of the first 10 players selected were from the collegiate ranks.
Boone also pointed to Carson Fulmer, Vandy's ace and the No. 8 pick, as someone who could make an impact immediately. He sees Fulmer as a reliever the White Sox could use later this season.
"It won't be long before they're playing for their respective teams," Boone said. "I don't see a lot of weaknesses in (Swanson's game). First time laying eyes on the guy, you say 'That's a big leaguer'. He's proven he can be a big leaguer."